Tag Archives: Chicago Tribune

Patrick Fitzgerald protects Obama, Rezko Blagojevich prosecution orchestrated delayed, John Thomas FBI mole, Chicago Tribune

Patrick Fitzgerald protects Obama, Rezko Blagojevich prosecution orchestrated delayed, John Thomas FBI mole, Chicago Tribune

From Illinois Pay To Play September 28, 2011.

“Patrick Fitzgerald: Intrepid Crime Fighter? Or, Politically-Driven Leaker?”

“Was Bernard Barton, Jr. relocated to Chicago on a mission to help
bring down Tony Rezko and, thereby, shield a young, articulate,
African-American politician from his potentially incriminating
associations with Rezko? Too conspiratorial, you say? Maybe. Maybe
not.

Let’s review the highlights of the Silent Mole, starting with an
admission from the Complicit Newspaper.

The Chicago Tribune identified Thomas as a Mole in this May 4, 2007,
article written by David Jackson.

John Thomas bought and sold downtown office buildings and helped other
property developers secure multimillion-dollar mortgage loans.

But the high-living dealmaker had a double life.

Thomas, who was convicted of federal business fraud in New York in
2004, has been serving as an undercover government mole in Chicago for
at least a year as part of an ongoing federal investigation into fraud
in the financing of large-scale commercial real estate deals, the
Tribune has learned.

Records made public so far do not identify the targets of the federal
probe and the FBI and US Attorney’s Office declined to comment for
this article.

That same May, a concerned citizen spoke on the phone with a
well-known Chicago Tribune reporter.  The concerned citizen was trying
to chase down information as to when the Tribune learned that John
Thomas was an FBI mole while working in Rezko’s office.  “Thomas” was
Barton’s new name in Chicago after being relocated from New York,
where he faced prosecution and eventual sentencing for fraud.  (The
complete story of Burton-Thomas is well documented and won’t be
rehashed here.)

The concerned citizen asked the reporter why the Trib had sat on the
Mole’s story since, at least, 2006.  That timeframe was implicitly
provided by the Trib reporter when stating that Patrick Fitzgerald
warned the paper, a year earlier in May 2006, that outing the Mole
would cause problems for the investigation and could prove dangerous
for Burton-Thomas.

Then, in a moment of indiscretion, the reporter added that Fitzgerald
told the Trib in May 2006 that identifying the mole could also
“influence the election.””

“Back when the Mole was entangled with the Eastern District of New
York, Patrick Fitzgerald was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the
adjacent Southern District.  The two would later rendezvous in
Chicago.

So, in February 2002, shortly after Burton-Thomas was relocated to
Chicago from the Big Apple, his nefarious past was outed by a Trib
reporter, but lacked any hint of his cooperation with the feds, nor
reference to his real name.”

“Now, jump ahead to February 2008. Sun-Times staff reporter David
Roeder elaborated on the Mole’s activity:

But sources said that, for more than two years when he was giving
information to agents, Thomas provided a fly-on-the-wall look inside
Rezko’s real estate operations and his desperate attempts to keep his
projects afloat.

Sources said Thomas also logged frequent visits to Rezko from Gov.
Blagojevich and U.S. Sen. Barack Obama​ (D-Ill.).Blagojevich and Obama
were among the many politicians for whom Rezko raised campaign cash.
Neither has been charged with any wrongdoing.

Thomas had good reason to help. He hopes to get probation for his own
felony fraud conviction in a New York case. And he said he wants to
redeem himself in the eyes of business associates and his family.

Sources said Thomas helped investigators build a record of repeat
visits to the old offices of Rezko and former business partner Daniel
Mahru’s Rezmar Corp., at 853 N. Elston, by Blagojevich and Obama
during 2004 and 2005…

Sources said the government had him wear a hidden wire to record
conversations with a Chicago alderman — but that he did not record
Blagojevich or Obama.

Why no recording of Blago and Obama?  Maybe because Blago had
notoriously loose lips and might say something that implicated the
Protected One, Obama.

One month later, in March 2008, presidential candidate Barack Obama
was subjected to an underhand, slow-pitch softball interview by the
editorial board of the Sun Times. The transcript of the interview (no
longer available on line) includes this exchange:

Q: In November 2006, you and your campaign exchanged with us written
interrogatories. So a lot of the quotes I will give you just come out
of those. The campaign said that you probably had lunch with Rezko
once or twice a year. You sort of added four or five times, something
like that.

John Thomas is an FBI mole. He recently told us that he saw you coming
and going from Rezko’s office a lot. And three other sources told us
that you and Rezko spoke on the phone daily. Is that true?

A: (Obama) No. That’s not accurate…
John Thomas aka Bernard Barton
Okay, maybe the Mole misremembered.  A bad memory might explain why he
was never called by the USAO as a witness in the Rezko trial. Or,
perhaps, there was another reason.

On June 21, U.S. District Judge Elaine Bucklo sentenced John Thomas to
three years probation. His court records are sealed. His mission
accomplished.  And the extent of his subsequent success in Chicago
commercial real estate is displayed on his face today.”

Read more:

http://illinoispaytoplay.com

As most of you know, the Citizen Wells blog has stated that Patrick Fitzgerald has been protecting Obama for some time and should have prosecuted Blagojevich much sooner.

Patrick Fitzgerald is just as guilty of corruption as those he prosecutes. I could prove this in a court of law.

Thanks to commenter Whistleblower

Eric Zorn, Chicago Tribune, Because a Constitutional crisis is just what this nation needs right now

Eric Zorn, Chicago Tribune, Because a Constitutional crisis is just what this nation needs right now

“Why has Obama, for over 2 years, employed numerous private and government attorneys to avoid presenting a legitimate birth certificate and college records?”…Citizen Wells and millions of concerned Americans

When I heard Glenn Beck insult millions of concerned Americans and military officers on his radio show, I thought that was one of the most insensitive, stupidest things I had ever heard. Is Eric Zorn related to Glenn Beck? Do they both have the stupid gene?

From Eric Zorn of the Chicago Tribune November 24, 2010.

“Because a Constitutional crisis is just what this nation needs right now”

“And since one must be a “natural-born citizen” to be president and   Barack Obama’s father was not, as everyone acknowledges,  a U.S. citizen, the whackjobs who have been unsuccessful in their “he was born in Kenya!” effort, are now hoping that the U.S. Supreme Court will help in their cause to declare him ineligible to hold office.”

Read more:

http://blogs.chicagotribune.com/news_columnists_ezorn/2010/11/vattel.html

On the one hand, for a micro second, I want to congratulate Zorn for mentioning the Kerchner v Obama lawsuit being before the Supreme Court. But that feeling quickly evaporates when I digest the way he dismissed those questioning Obama as being “whackjobs.” He displays a total lack of understanding about Obama’s eligibility issues and the Kerchner case.

First of all, we don’t know where in the hell Obama was born, since he has avoided presenting a legitimate birth certificate. Secondly, Zorn has got some nerve calling a retired naval commander, LTC Terry Lakin, multiple generals and millions of concerned Americans “whackjobs.”

Eric Zorn, we have a constitutional crisis now, due to people like you in the media not doing your journalistic job.

Eric Zorn, call me. Get your facts straight before making an ass out of yourself.

Eric Zorn, why don’t you ask the question above?

Blagojevich Motion to Subpoena Barack Obama, Redacted sections, Rod Blagojevich trial, April 22, 2010, Chicago Tribune

Blagojevich Motion to Subpoena Barack Obama, Redacted sections

 

The Chicago Tribune has the redacted scetions of the Blagojevich Motion to Subpoena Barack Obama on their site. Here are the redactions,

9. Yet, despite President Obama stating that no representatives of his had any part of any deals, labor union president told the FBI and the United States Attorneys 

that he
spoke to labor union official on November 3, 2008 who received a phone message
from Obama that evening. After labor union official listened to the message
labor union official told labor union president “I’m the one”. Labor union
president took that to mean that labor union official was to be the one to deliver
the message on behalf of Obama that Senate Candidate B was his pick. (Labor
union president 302, February 2, 2009, p. 7).

10. Labor union official told the FBI and the United States Attorneys“Obama expressed
his belief that [Senate Candidate B] would be a good Senator for the people of
Illinois and would be a candidate who could win re-election. [Labor union
official] advised Obama that [labor union official] would reach out to Governor
Blagojevich and advocate for [Senate Candidate B].. . . [Labor union official]
called [labor union president] and told [labor union president] that Obama was
aware that [labor union official] would be reaching out to Blagojevich.” (Labor
union official 302, February 3, 2009 p. 3).

11. According to Senate Candidate B

,

on November, 4 2008, Senate Candidate B
spoke with labor union official about the Senate seat. Labor union official said
he spoke to Obama. Labor union official said he was going to meet with
Blagojevich and said “he was going to push Blagojevich hard on this. According
to Senate Candidate B, labor union official’s language could have been stronger
than the language that she was reporting to the government.” (Senate Candidate
B 302, December 19, 2008).

12. On November 5, 2008, Blagojevich told John Harris that labor union official

“talked
to Barack Obama, wants to come and see me.” Blagojevich then told Harris that
labor union official “was very explicit with me, “I talked to Barack about the
Senate seat. Can I come and see ya? Can I do it tomorrow?’ I said, sure.”
(Blagojevich Home Phone Call # 261).
 

13. A supporter of Presidential Candidate Obama

suggested that she talk to the wife of
Governor Blagojevich about Senate Candidate B for Senator. (Valerie Jarrett
302, December 19, 2008). Supporter of Presidential Candidate Obama is
mentioned in a phone call on November 3, 2008, having offered “fundraising” in
exchange for Senate Candidate B for senator (Blagojevich Home Phone Call #
149).

17. President-elect Obama also

spoke to Governor Blagojevich on December 1, 2008
in Philadelphia. On Harris Cell Phone Call # 139, John Harris and Governor’s
legal counsel discuss a conversation Blagojevich had with President-elect
Obama. The government claims a conspiracy existed from October 22, 2008 continuing through December 9, 2008.6 That conversation is relevant to the defense of the government’s theory of an ongoing conspiracy. Only Rod Blagojevich and President Obama can testify to the contents of that conversation. The defense is allowed to present evidence that corroborates the defendant’s testimony.7
Obama.

18. President-elect Obama

also suggested Senate Candidate A to Governor Blagojevich.
John Harris told the FBI and the United States Attorneys that he spoke to
President’s Chief of Staff on November 12, 2008. Harris took notes of the
conversation and wrote that President’s Chief had previously worked as
Blagojevich’s press secretary. Obama agreed of Staff told Harris that Senate
Candidate A was acceptable to Obama as a senate pick. (Harris handwritten
notes, OOG1004463) President’s Chief of Staff told the FBI that “he could not
say where but somewhere it was communicated to him that” Senate Candidate A
was a suggested candidate viewed as one of the four “right” candidates “by the
Obama transition team.” (Rahm Emanuel 302, p. 5, December 20, 2008). Harris
told Blagojevich Obama’s suggestion on November 12, 2008 (Blagojevich Home
Phone Call # 539).

19. President-elect Obama

was also involved in other senate candidate choices. On
December 8, 2008, John Harris’ secretary’s call log noted President’s Chief of
Staff called at 10:47 am and wrote “needs to talk to you asap” (Harris 302,
February 20, 2009). President’s Chief of Staff told the FBI that he had a
conversation discussing the Senate seat with Obama on December 7, 2008 in
Obama’s car. President’s Chief of Staff told the FBI “Obama expressed concern
about Senate Candidate D being appointed as Senator. [President’s Chief of
Staff] suggested they might need an expanded list to possibly include names of
African Americans that came out of the business world. [President’s Chief of
Staff] thought he suggested Senate Candidate E who was the head of the Urban
League and with President’s Chief of Staff’s suggestion.” (President’s Chief of Staff, 302, 12-20-08).

22. However, the defense has a good faith belief that Mr. Rezko, President Obama’s former friend, fund-raiser, and neighbor told the FBI and the United States Attorneys

a different story about President Obama. In a recent in camera proceeding, the
government tendered a three paragraph letter indicating that Rezko “has stated
in interviews with the government that he engaged in election law violations by
personally contributing a large sum of cash to the campaign of a public official
who is not Rod Blagojevich. … Further, the public official denies being aware of
cash contributions to his campaign by Rezko or others and denies having
conversations with Rezko related to cash contributions. … Rezko has also stated
in interviews with the government that he believed he transmitted a quid pro quo
offer from a lobbyist to the public official, whereby the lobbyist would hold a
fundraiser for the official in exchange for favorable official action, but that the
public official rejected the offer. The public official denies any such conversation. In addition, Rezko has stated to the government that he and the public official had certain conversations about gaming legislation and administration, which the public official denies having had.”10

23. President Obama is the only one who can testify as to the veracity

 of Mr. Rezko’s allegations above.

10 The defense has a good faith belief that this public official is Barack Obama.

“No, I have never been asked to do
anything to advance his business interest. In 1999, when I was a State Senator, I opposed legislation to bring a
casino to Rosemont and allow casino gambling at docked riverboats which news reports said Al Johnson and Tony
Rezko were interested in being part of. I never discussed a casino license with either of them. I was a vocal
opponent of the legislation.”

Obama’s involvement with Tony Rezko and this legislation coincides with the
three paragraph summary the government has provided to the defense referenced above.
 

The redacted sections were found here:

http://media.apps.chicagotribune.com/docs/obama-subpoena.html#document/p3/a11

A good faith effort was made to present the redacted sections. Any errors found will be corrected as noted.

Christopher Kelly death, investigated as homicide, Chicago Tribune, September 13, 2009, Blagojevich, Rezko, Obama, 8 year sentence, Kelly plead guilty to federal corruption charge

From the Chicago Tribune, September 13, 2009.

“Kelly dies of possible overdose
Authorities say death may be suicide but are investigating it as homicide”

“Kelly, 51, who was to report to federal prison officials this week to start serving an 8-year sentence, died Saturday at Stroger Hospital in what authorities said was a possible suicide from an over-the-counter medication. An autopsy is scheduled for Sunday, and police in Chicago and south suburban Country Club Hills are conducting a death investigation.

Kelly’s death ended a tumultuous year in his life. He twice pleaded guilty to federal charges. He was estranged from his wife. And he faced serious financial problems, partly due to gambling debts. But Kelly indicated he was not going to turn on Blagojevich despite pressure from prosecutors.”

“A street-smart businessman who used connections and savvy to make millions, Kelly parlayed his wealth into power before becoming a member of Blagojevich’s “kitchen cabinet” of advisers. He had been at the former governor’s side through much of his political life since he ran for governor.”

“The Cook County medical examiner’s office said Stroger Hospital officials told them that Kelly apparently died of an overintoxication of salicylate, a drug used in anti-inflammatory and pain relief medications such as aspirin.

Authorities said Kelly was in his 2007 Cadillac Escalade in the parking lot of a lumber yard at 173rd Street and Cicero Avenue in Country Club Hills — a few miles from his Markham office — Friday night when he began vomiting. Sources said a girlfriend of Kelly’s drove him to nearby Oak Forest Hospital of Cook County. The Escalade remained there Saturday afternoon, guarded by police.

A hospital spokesman said Kelly arrived at 11:15 p.m. and was treated and stabilized. But doctors determined he needed more care and transferred him to Stroger Hospital in Chicago, about 25 miles away.

Kelly arrived at Stroger by private ambulance at 5:15 a.m., hospital spokesman Marcel Bright said. Kelly was treated for several hours but pronounced dead at 10:46 a.m., Bright said.

Investigators were still at the empty Forest Lumber yard Saturday night as they looked for evidence. The remote spot, opposite insect-filled cornfields near Interstate Highways 57 and 80, was taped off as officers used flashlights to search on hands and knees.

Country Club Hills Mayor Dwight Welch said detectives were looking for cigarette butts or anything else that might be traced to potential witnesses.

Welch said authorities are investigating whether Kelly overdosed, possibly on over-the-counter medicines. The mayor also said Kelly vomited in the lumber yard’s parking lot.

Oak Forest Hospital officials alerted authorities of Kelly’s whereabouts about 3 a.m., Welch said.

“We are treating this as a death investigation — it’s a possible homicide or suicide, but it’s a high-profile case so we have a homicide level investigation,” Welch said.”

“Kelly made millions as a south suburban roofing contractor who secured million-dollar deals at O’Hare International Airport, Midway Airport and other city agencies. A roofing firm Kelly oversaw, BCI Commercial Roofing, along with an affiliated company, Castle Construction, were paid $7.6 million for work at O’Hare and Midway between 1999 and 2004.”

Read more:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-christopher-kelly-dead-13sep13,0,3919783.story

Citizen Wells clarification

Do not let the fact that the federal prosecutors convicted Kelly because of his corruption involving O’Hare International Airport. Just as most of the corruption Blagojevich had to do with “pay to play” politics in Chicago and Illinois, Kelly was involved with Blagojevich, Rezko, Levine and ultimately Obama in the Planning Board rigging that corrupted the Mercy Hospital deal….Blagojevich, Kelly indictment

 

Thanks to commenter bob

Dr Robert Weinstein, Pleads guilty to tax fraud, March 11, 2009, Chicago Tribune, Business partner, Stuart Levine, Tony Rezko, Obama ties, Blagojevich, Illinois Health Planning Facilities Board, Weinstein indictment, wire and mail fraud, Corruption

From a Chicago Tribune article dated March 11, 2009:

“The longtime business partner of convicted influence peddler Stuart Levine pleaded guilty Tuesday to failing to disclose on his tax return some $3 million he stole from a charity.

Dr. Robert Weinstein, 63, of Northbrook faces 2 to 3 years in prison in connection with a complex fraud scheme in which he and Levine cheated Northshore Supporting Organization, a charity the two controlled. The charity supported the work of the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, which lost a combined $6 million in the scheme. Both men sat on the board of the North Chicago medical school.

Weinstein, a self-described private investor for the last decade, admitted that he understated his income by $3 million on his 2003 tax return when he actually made $9.2 million. Weinstein, who is scheduled to be sentenced on July 1, didn’t agree to cooperate in the federal probe.

Weinstein was indicted last June on charges of wire and mail fraud and making false statements. But last week prosecutors charged him with a single tax fraud count after he agreed to plead guilty.

Levine has become an important government witness in the federal investigation of corruption in the administration of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, providing key testimony at the trial of Antoin “Tony” Rezko, a top Blagojevich adviser who was convicted of extorting firms seeking state business.”

Read more:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-weinstein-guilty-plea-11-mar11,0,3203453.story
What the Chicago Tribune has been leaving out is Weinstein’s
link to Obama via Tony Rezko, Stuart Levine as revealed in
the indictment of Dr. Robert Weinstein. The common denominator
is the Illinois Health Planning Facilities Board.

 
“1. At times material to this indictment:
a.
Stuart Levine, a resident of Highland Park, Illinois, was a businessman and a member of the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board (“Planning Board”).
b.
The Planning Board was a commission of the State of Illinois, established by statute, whose nine members were appointed by the Governor of the State of Illinois. State law required an entity seeking to build a hospital, medical office building, or other medical facility in Illinois to obtain a permit, known as a “Certificate of Need” (“CON”), from the Planning Board prior to beginning construction. Issuance of a CON required a majority vote of the Planning Board.
c.
Antoin Rezko, also known as “Tony” Rezko (“Rezko”), a resident of Wilmette, Illinois, was a businessman and a fund-raiser for candidates for elected office.
d.
There was a federal criminal investigation into allegations of mail fraud, wire fraud, bribery, political corruption, and other criminal activities in connection with the operations of certain State of Illinois boards and commissions, including the Planning Board. Among other matters, this investigation concerned the appointment of, control of, and directions given by third parties to members of the boards and commissions. One aspect of this investigation related to Stuart Levine and those associated with him, including Rezko and WEINSTEIN, and to the nature and scope of the business, personal, and financial relationships among and between them. It was material to this investigation to learn whatinfluence Rezko had in connection with the boards’ and commissions’ operations.
2. On or about May 24, 2004, at Chicago, in the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division, and elsewhere, ROBERT J. WEINSTEIN, defendant herein, knowingly and willfully did make materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements and representations in a matter within the jurisdiction of the Federal Bureau of Investigation of the Department of Justice, an agency of the United States government, in that WEINSTEIN stated to a Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent that Levine never told WEINSTEIN that Rezko had influence over the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board, whereas at the time WEINSTEIN made this statement and representation, WEINSTEIN knew the statement and representation was false because, in truth and fact, WEINSTEIN and Levine discussed Rezko’s influence over the Planning Board, including in a recorded conversation on April 21, 2004 in which they discussed Rezko’s involvement in the Planning Board and Levine explicitly advised WEINSTEIN of Rezko’s role in manipulating the Planning Board’s vote earlier that day on the CON application of Mercy Health System Corporation Hospital, as well as other Planning Board matters;
In violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001(a)(2).”

Dr Robert Weinstein, Guilty plea, March 5, 2009, Chicago Tribune, Obama, IL Health Planning Facilities Board, Rezko, Levine, Obama crime connection, Vote rigging, Weinstein Indictment, Chicago Medical School

The Chicago Tribune reported on March 5, 2009 that Dr Robert
Weinstein will plead guilty in his corruption indictment.

“A Deerfield urologist caught up in the corruption probe
surrounding Antoin “Tony” Rezko and other state government
figures is scheduled to plead guilty next week, court
records show.”

Read more:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-weinstein-pleamar05,0,6001971.story

The article is very short and consistent with the Chicago
Tribune underreporting on the Dr. Weinstein indictment and
his connections to Rezko, Levine, Blagojevich and Obama.
Why the Tribune has mentioned very little about Dr.
Weinstein is anybody’s guess.

However, if you are left with the impression that Weinstein’s
involvement is insignificant, consider the following:

Dr. Robert Weinstein Indictment

Governor Rod Blagojevich Criminal Complaint

Citizen Wells request to Patrick Fitzgerald, Indict Obama

Anyone that followed the Tony Rezko trial,
read the indictments of Rezko, Stuart Levine, Dr. Robert
Weinstein and a host of others and compared those revelations
to the details of the Blagojevich criminal complaint knows
of Rod Blagojevich’s deep involvement in Chicago pay to play
politics.

Read more

Barack Obama’s role in rigging the IL Health Facilities Planning Board
by reducing the number of members from 15 to 9 and therefore allowing
Tony Rezko, Stuart Levine and Rod Blagojevich to control the board with
only 5 members, is examined in detail. The indictments and criminal
complaints of Rezko, Levine, Blagojevich and Weinstein reveal their
involvement in board corruption. Obama should be indicted as well.

Read more

Dr. Robert Weinstein
“The false statements count alleges that on May 24, 2004, Weinstein
lied to an FBI agent when he said that Levine never told him that
Rezko had influence over the Illinois Health Facilities Planning
Board, the state board that regulates hospital construction and
expansion. In fact, the indictment alleges Weinstein knew that he
and Levine had discussed Rezko’s influence over the Planning Board,
including in a recorded conversation on April 21, 2004, in which
Levine explicitly advised Weinstein of Rezko’s role in manipulating
the Planning Board’s vote earlier that day on the Certificate of
Need application of Mercy Health System Corp. Hospital and other
matters.”

Read more

Osama bin Laden, January 14, 2008, Obama, Jihad against Israel, audiotape, Islamic militant Web sites, al-Qaida, New fronts against the United States, Chicago Tribune, enlist the youth into jihad brigades

Osama bin Laden urged Muslims to launch a jihad against Israel
in a new audiotape.

“Al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden urged Muslims to launch a jihad against
Israel and condemned Arab governments as allies of the Jewish state in
a new message aimed at harnessing anger in the Mideast over the Gaza
offensive.

Bin Laden spoke in an audiotape posted Wednesday on Islamic militant
Web sites where al-Qaida usually issues its messages. It was his first
tape since May and came nearly three weeks after Israel started its
campaign against Gaza’s militant Hamas rulers.

The al-Qaida leader also vowed that the terror network would open
“new fronts” against the United States and its allies beyond Iraq and
Afghanistan. He said President-elect Barack Obama has received a “heavy
inheritance” from George W. Bush — two wars and “the collapse of the
economy,” which he said will render the United States unable to sustain
a long fight against the mujahedeen, or holy warriors.

“There is only one strong way to bring the return of Al-Aqsa and Palestine,
and that is jihad in the path of God,” bin Laden said in the 22-minute
audiotape, referring to the revered Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. “The duty
is to urge people to jihad and to enlist the youth into jihad brigades.”

“Islamic nation, you are capable of defeating the Zionist entity with your
popular capabilities and your great hidden strength — without the support
of (Arab) leaders and despite the fact that most of (the leaders) stand in
the barracks of the Crusader-Zionist alliance,” bin Laden said.

The authenticity of the tape could not be independently confirmed, but the
voice resembled that of bin Laden in previous messages.”

“It was the first time bin Laden have spoken of Obama”

Read more here:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-ml-al-qaida-israel,0,3953315.story

Governor Rod Blagojevich, Obama, Chicago Tribune, January 2, 2009, John Kass, Continuing to unwrap the gift of the governor, Chicago politics, Daley machine, Obama’s senate seat, Roland Burris

The Chicago Tribune, in spite of endorsing Barack Obama, has allowed
fairly extensive coverage of Obama’s ties to corruption in Chicago
and Illinois. John Kass has written some frank articles about Obama’s
connections. Consider this article by Kass dated January 2, 2009.
“OK, Kass, what are you paying Gov. Rod Blagojevich to give you material
for your columns? Or is he the gift that keeps on giving? —Sue S.

Dear Sue: As our esteemed governor has famously said, this thing is
“bleeping golden.” But the Illinois political freak show is not a gift to
me. I offer it nobly and without charge, as a gift to America. Because,
finally, despite all the willful cheerleading of national media types who
prattled cherubically about the new Camelot, Americans are finally
realizing that Chicago politics is no fairy tale.
 
President-elect Barack Obama was not found as an infant, floating in a reed
basket along the banks of the Chicago River. He is not the gentle faun, the
Mr. Tumnus, of the Daley machine. Obama could have forcefully and publicly
demanded that Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and fellow Illinois
Democrats support legislation for a special election to fill his vacated
Senate seat. Obama had a responsibility to the people of Illinois to do so.
But he kept his mouth shut. As always, he avoided conflict with machine
political bosses, a consistent character trait stubbornly ignored by his
media cheerleaders.

His top White House strategist and his chief of staff are creatures of the
Daley machine, and Democrats didn’t want to risk the Senate seat. What
happened to the promise of transcending the old politics?

So when the freak show comes to Washington next week and political hack
Roland “I’m a tool of the people” Burris is denied entry to the Senate, and
the national political class shrieks in fake outrage and Blagojevich
surrounds himself with African-American ministers and he sings “Let my
people go!” remember who could have stopped all this: Obama, Madigan, Daley
and the Illinois Democrats.”

Read more here:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-kass-02-jan02,0,3148099.column

Nayak seeks immunity, Blagojevich arrest, Patrick Fitzgerald investigation, December 22, 2008, Raghuveer P. Nayak, Oak Brook businessman, Medical businesses, Political fundraiser, Individual D,Wiretaps, U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson, Obama’s senate seat, Obama ties, Chicago Tribune

The Chicago Tribune has an article today, Monday,
December 22, 2008, that reveals that Raghuveer P. Nayak,
the unnamed “Individual D” referred to in the Rod
Blagojevich criminal complaint, is seeking immunity.

“Fundraiser seeks immunity in Blagojevich probe
Blagojevich allegedly pressured ‘Individual D’ for cash to pick Jackson
By David Kidwell and John Chase | Tribune reporters
December 22, 2008”

 
“A key figure in Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s alleged scheme to sell a U.S. Senate seat has sought immunity from federal authorities in return for his cooperation in their ongoing probe, the Tribune has learned.
Raghuveer P. Nayak, an Oak Brook businessman and political fundraiser, is the unnamed “Individual D” who prosecutors say was being squeezed by the governor for campaign cash in return for appointing U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. to the Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama, sources said.
Investigators appeared at Nayak’s Oak Brook home the morning the FBI arrested Blagojevich, the sources said. Nayak was among a number of people connected to the case who were contacted by federal agents that day.
Nayak has not been accused of wrongdoing and declined to comment. It is unclear what information he can provide to authorities, who said they had more work to do after moving quickly to interrupt the governor’s alleged scheme.”
“Nayak’s businesses have faced multiple audits by state and federal authorities since he first opened his Chicago drug stores in the early 1980s, according to interviews and records. In addition, his name came up repeatedly in one of the largest health-care fraud investigations in Illinois history.
Nayak was never charged in that case, or any other.
The multi-year federal probe resulted in the shuttering of two South Side hospitals—Doctors Hospital and Edgewater Medical Center—and the convictions of seven doctors and administrators. Nayak, who then owned a lab testing company called NR Laboratories as well as an outpatient surgery center, was among numerous individuals who came under scrutiny.”

 

“In 1987, Nayak was suspended for 60 days from the state’s public aid program after auditors concluded nearly 22 percent of billings at one of his pharmacies were fraudulent. In 1989, state auditors reported concerns that Nayak was giving free airline tickets to doctors who sent business to NR labs, which he has since sold. And in 2001, Nayak returned $20,000 in a federal Medicaid fraud lawsuit in Indiana.”

Read more here:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-blagojevich-nayakdec22,0,7892226.story
Nayak has longtime ties to Obama and Obama associates.
The Citizen Wells blog will provide “the rest of the “story’
soon in a continuing series on Obama’s ties to crime and
corruption in Chicago and IL.

Another tie to Obama to talk?
 

Obama indictment, Obama must be arrested, Patrick Fitzgerald, Blagojevich arrest, December 20, 2008, Obama Rezko Levine Weinstein Blagojevich, Pay to play, Chicago corruption, US Dept of Justice, IL corruption, Chicago Tribune, Charlotte Observer

Why Barack Obama should be indicted

Part 11

One or more of the following events should happen:

  • Obama steps down.
  • Obama is forced to prove eligibility.
  • Obama is indicted and/or arrested.

If one of the above does not occur within a few months,
perhaps we should look to the Declaration of Independence
or Thomas Jefferson, for our next strategy.

The truth about the Rod Blagojevich arrest and criminal
complaint and what it means for Barack Obama.

If you are getting your news from your local newspaper or
MSM media on TV, you probably believe that Blagojevich’s
arrest was mainly about his trying to make money off of
selling Obama’s senate seat and that Obama is innocent of
any wrongdoing. That is what the MSM and the Obama camp
want you to believe. Nothing could be further from the truth.

First of all, Obama was caught lying when he stated that he
had no contact with Blagojevich. That part is clear. Now for
the important part of this article. Patrick Fitzgerald was
not ready to indict Blagojevich, but when he discovered that
Blagojevich  was trying to sell the senate seat and the Chicago
Tribune prematurely leaked the story, he hurriedly created a
criminal complaint. The investigation of Blagojevich had been
going on for many months and the sentencing of Tony Rezko
was delayed several times to allow him to talk more.

According to FBI special agent Rob Grant:

“But we do know that something big is going on. “There is a lot
of investigation that still needs to be done,”

“There are critical interviews that we have to do and
cooperation we need to get from different people.”

Obama camp coverup of Obama lies

Exerpts from the Rod Blagojevich criminal complaint

“Count One
From in or about 2002 to the present, in Cook County, in the Northern District of Illinois, defendants did,
conspire with each other and with others to devise and participate in a scheme to defraud the State of Illinois and
the people of the State of Illinois of the honest services of ROD R. BLAGOJEVICH and JOHN HARRIS, in
furtherance of which the mails and interstate wire communications would be used, in violation of Title 18, United
States Code, Sections 1341,1343, and 1346; all in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Section 1349.”
“12. Because this affidavit is submitted for the limited purpose of securing a
criminal complaint and corresponding arrest warrants, I have not included each and every
fact known to me concerning this investigation.”
“a. Defendant ROD BLAGOJEVICH and at times defendant JOHN
HARRIS, together with others, obtained and attempted to obtain financial benefits for ROD
BLAGOJEVICH, members of the Blagojevich family, and third parties including Friends of
Blagojevich, in exchange for appointments to state boards and commissions, state
employment, state contracts, and access to state funds;”
“15. The remainder of this affidavit first sets out certain information obtained prior
to the initiation of the court-authorized interceptions, relating to allegations that ROD
BLAGOJEVICH solicited and obtained campaign contributions in exchange for official
actions as Governor.”

 

III. FACTS ESTABLISHING PROBABLE CAUSE
A. Evidence Concerning the Solicitation and Receipt of Campaign
Contributions in Return for Official Acts by ROD BLAGOJEVICH Prior
to October 2008
1. Information Provided by Ali Ata
Connections to Ali Ata
“16. As described in more detail in the following paragraphs, Ali Ata testified under
oath in the spring of 2008 that Ata discussed with ROD BLAGOJEVICH a potential
appointment to a high-level position with the State of Illinois while a $25,000 donation check
to Friends of Blagojevich from Ata was sitting on a table in front of ROD BLAGOJEVICH.
Ata further testified that later, after Ata made another substantial contribution to Friends of
Blagojevich, ROD BLAGOJEVICH told Ata that he was aware of the donation, that he
understood that Ata would be joining his administration, and that Ata better get a job “where
[Ata] can make some money.””

 

“17. Ata is a businessman who, in May 2008, as part of a cooperation agreement
with the government, pled guilty to making false statements to the FBI and to tax fraud.2
Pursuant to his cooperation agreement, the government has interviewed Ata extensively
regarding a number of topics, including his knowledge of and involvement in fundraising for
ROD BLAGOJEVICH. In addition, Ata testified under oath at the criminal trial of Antoin
Rezko (the “Rezko Trial”) in May 2008.3 Portions of Ata’s testimony are directly relevant
to the current investigation. In summary, and in relevant part, Ata testified as follows during
the Rezko Trial:”

 

“21. Later that year, Rezko approached Ata for additional monetary support for
ROD BLAGOJEVICH. Ata agreed to contribute $25,000 in additional monies to the
campaign of ROD BLAGOJEVICH. Ata, subsequently and by prior arrangement with
Rezko, brought a check in this amount to Rezko’s offices on Elston Avenue in Chicago.
After he arrived at Rezko’s offices, Ata was greeted by Rezko to whom he handed the check
in an envelope. Rezko, carrying the check, ushered Ata into a conference room where he met
with Rezko and ROD BLAGOJEVICH. Rezko placed the envelope containing Ata’s
$25,000 check to ROD BLAGOJEVICH’s campaign on the conference room table between
himself and ROD BLAGOJEVICH and stated to ROD BLAGOJEVICH that Ata had been
a good supporter and a team player and that Ata would be willing to join ROD
BLAGOJEVICH’s administration. ROD BLAGOJEVICH expressed his pleasure and
acknowledged that Ata had been a good supporter and good friend. ROD BLAGOJEVICH,
in Ata’s presence, asked Rezko if he (Rezko) had talked to Ata about positions in the
administration, and Rezko responded that he had.”

Connections to Joseph Cari
“26. Cari was a significant fundraiser for Democratic causes and was previously the
national finance chair for Vice President Al Gore’s 2000 presidential campaign. During his
testimony, Cari described meetings that he had with ROD BLAGOJEVICH, Chris Kelly,
Rezko, and Stuart Levine7. In particular, on approximately October 29, 2003, Cari, ROD
BLAGOJEVICH, Kelly, Levine and others rode on an airplane arranged by Levine to a
fundraiser in New York being hosted by Cari on behalf of ROD BLAGOJEVICH. During
the plane ride, Cari had a conversation with ROD BLAGOJEVICH. During the
conversation, Cari and ROD BLAGOJEVICH discussed Cari’s fundraising background and
work as a national fundraiser. ROD BLAGOJEVICH discussed his interest in running for
President of the United States. During the conversation, ROD BLAGOJEVICH informed
Cari that it was easier for governors to solicit campaign contributions because governors had
the ability to “award contracts” and give legal work, consulting work, and investment
banking work to campaign contributors. ROD BLAGOJEVICH informed Cari that Rezko
and Kelly were his point people in raising campaign contributions. Later in the conversation,
ROD BLAGOJEVICH told Cari that there were State of Illinois contracts and other State of
Illinois work that could be given to contributors who helped ROD BLAGOJEVICH, Rezko,
and Kelly. Cari testified that ROD BLAGOJEVICH ended the conversation with Cari by
informing Cari that Rezko and Kelly would follow up with Cari in relation to the discussion
that had just occurred.”

 

“28. Cari also testified about a conversation he had with Rezko at Rezko’s office.
Levine was also present for the conversation. According to Cari, Rezko informed Cari that
Rezko had a close relationship with the Blagojevich administration and Rezko had a role in
picking consultants and law firms and other entities to get State of Illinois business. Rezko
informed Cari that Rezko called ROD BLAGOJEVICH’s chief of staff, Lon Monk, and
Monk would help implement Rezko’s choices for certain State of Illinois work. Rezko
informed Cari that, in exchange for raising money for ROD BLAGOJEVICH, the
Blagojevich administration would be financially helpful to Cari’s business interests.”

Connections to Stuart Levine

 

“31. In approximately December 2003, the FBI began an investigation of allegations
that at least one member of the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board (the “Planning
Board”), Stuart Levine, was soliciting bribes in exchange for board action. At the time,
Levine was a businessman who served on two state boards: the board of trustees of TRS, and
the Planning Board. As part of the investigation, the government sought and obtained court
authorization to record phone calls on multiple phones used by Levine.”
“32. On May 4, 2005, Levine was indicted in United States v. Levine, et al. 05 CR
408 (Grady, J.) on 28 counts of mail and wire fraud, extortion, bribery, and money
laundering. On August 3, 2005, Levine was indicted in United States v. Levine, et al., 05 CR
691 (St. Eve., J.) on 13 counts of mail and wire fraud, bribery, and attempted extortion. On
October 27, 2006, Levine pleaded guilty to Counts One and Twenty-Three of a superseding
indictment in Case No. 05 CR 691. As part of Levine’s plea agreement, the government
moved, on November 15, 2006, to dismiss the pending superseding indictment and
indictment against Levine in Case No. 05 CR 408.”
“33. Pursuant to his cooperation agreement, the government has interviewed Levine
extensively regarding a number of topics, including his knowledge of and involvement in the
corruption of Illinois state government and fundraising for ROD BLAGOJEVICH. In
addition, Levine testified under oath at the Rezko Trial.8 Portions of Levine’s testimony at
the Rezko trial are directly relevant to the current investigation. The remainder of this
section sets forth, in summary, and in relevant part, Levine’s testimony at the Rezko Trial,
except as noted where information is specifically identified as having been obtained from
other sources:”

Levine’s Plane Ride with Blagojevich

“34. According to Levine, in approximately late October 2003, after Levine was
reappointed to the Planning Board, he shared a private plane ride from New York to Chicago
with ROD BLAGOJEVICH and Kelly. Levine, ROD BLAGOJEVICH, and Kelly were the
only passengers on the flight. According to Levine, at the beginning of the flight, Levine
thanked ROD BLAGOJEVICH for reappointing him to the Planning Board. ROD
BLAGOJEVICH responded that Levine should only talk with “Tony” [Rezko] or [Kelly]
about the Planning Board, “but you stick with us and you will do very well for yourself.”
ROD BLAGOJEVICH said this in front of Kelly. According to Levine, Levine understood
from ROD BLAGOJEVICH’s manner of speaking and words that ROD BLAGOJEVICH
did not want Levine to talk to ROD BLAGOJEVICH directly about anything to do with the
boards, but that Levine should talk to Rezko or Kelly. Levine also understood that ROD
BLAGOJEVICH meant that Levine could make a lot of money working with ROD
BLAGOJEVICH’s administration. According to Levine, ROD BLAGOJEVICH did not
seem to expect a response from Levine, and Kelly then shifted the conversation to something
else.”

Corruption of the Planning Board

(This is the subject of the Citizen Wells plea to Fitzgerald
to indict Obama)

“35. As described more fully in the following paragraphs, Mercy Hospital, which
sought permission from the Planning Board to build a hospital in Illinois, received that
permission through Rezko’s exercise of his influence at the Planning Board after Rezko was
promised that Mercy Hospital would make a substantial campaign contribution to ROD
BLAGOJEVICH. Rezko later told a member of the Planning Board that Mercy Hospital
received the permit because ROD BLAGOJEVICH wanted the organization to receive the
permit.”

“36. Levine’s criminal activities included his abuse of his position on the Planning
Board to enrich both himself and Friends of Blagojevich. The Planning Board was a
commission of the State of Illinois, established by statute, whose members were appointed
by the Governor of the State of Illinois. At the relevant time period, the Planning Board
consisted of nine individuals. State law required an entity seeking to build a hospital,
medical office building, or other medical facility in Illinois to obtain a permit, known as a
“Certificate of Need” (“CON”), from the Planning Board prior to beginning construction.”

“37. Levine, as well as Planning Board members Thomas Beck and Imad
Almanaseer, testified under oath at the Rezko Trial.9 Beck testified that he asked Rezko to
reappoint him to the Planning Board and that Beck thereafter followed Rezko’s directions
regarding which CON applications Rezko wanted approved. Beck testified that it was his
job to communicate Rezko’s interest in particular CONs to other members of the Planning
Board, including Almanaseer, who were loyal to Rezko. Beck testified that he understood
that Rezko spoke for the Blagojevich administration when Rezko spoke to Beck about
particular CONs. Almanaseer testified that Beck instructed him that Rezko wanted
Almanaseer to vote a particular way and that Almanaseer should follow Levine’s lead in
voting on CONs. Almanaseer testified that before certain Planning Board meetings, he
received notecards from Beck indicating how to vote on certain CON applications. Beck
testified he provided these notecards to Almanaseer and certain other members of the
Planning Board to communicate Rezko’s directions about certain CON applications.”

 

“38. During his testimony, Levine described a plan to manipulate the Planning
Board to enrich himself and Friends of Blagojevich. The plan centered on an entity
commonly known as Mercy Hospital (“Mercy”) that was attempting to obtain a CON to build
a new hospital in Illinois. Levine knew the contractor hired to help build the hospital. In
approximately November 2003, on behalf of the contractor, Levine checked with Rezko to
determine whether Rezko wanted Mercy to obtain its CON. Rezko informed Levine that
Mercy was not going to receive its CON. According to Levine, he asked Rezko whether it
would matter to Rezko if Mercy’s construction contractor paid a bribe to Rezko and Levine
and, in addition, made a contribution to ROD BLAGOJEVICH. Levine testified that Rezko
indicated that such an arrangement would change his view on the Mercy CON.”
“39. Levine’s testimony regarding Rezko’s actions to change the Planning Board
decision concerning Mercy’s application for a CON based on contributions for ROD
BLAGOJEVICH is confirmed by attorney Steven Loren. Loren testified at Rezko’s criminal
trial and, before that, in the grand jury.11 According to Loren, in approximately December
2003, Levine informed Loren that Rezko was against the Mercy CON. According to Loren,
Levine relayed to Loren a conversation between Rezko and Levine during which Levine
asked Rezko whether a political contribution to ROD BLAGOJEVICH would make a
difference for Mercy’s CON, and Rezko responded to Levine that such a contribution might
make a difference.”
“40. Thereafter, and confirmed by the testimony of Levine, Beck, and Almanaseer,
as well as recorded conversations, Rezko switched his directions to Beck and informed Beck
that Mercy was to receive its CON. According to Almanaseer, although he previously had
been told by Beck that Rezko did not want Mercy to receive its CON, he was later told that
there had been a change and that Rezko now wanted Mercy to receive its CON.”
“41. Mercy received its CON as a result of a controversial and irregular vote at a
public Planning Board meeting.12 The vote brought significant publicity to the Planning
Board and ultimately led to the disbanding of the Planning Board. Almanaseer testified
under oath in the grand jury that not long after the Planning Board vote on Mercy’s CON he
saw Rezko at a fundraiser. According to Almanaseer, he was still embarrassed about what
had occurred at the Planning Board vote on Mercy’s CON and Rezko’s role in the vote.
Almanaseer testified that he asked Rezko why Rezko had switched the vote on the Mercy
CON. According to Almanaseer, Rezko stated: “The Governor wanted it to pass.”
Almanaseer understood the reference to “Governor” to be a reference to ROD
BLAGOJEVICH.”

Dr. Robert Weinstein connections

“54. Numerous conversations related to the extortion were captured on the courtauthorized
wiretaps on Levine’s phones. In particular, on a recorded May 1, 2004
conversation, Levine spoke with Dr. Robert Weinstein, a co-schemer in Levine’s criminal
activities. During the call, Levine told Weinstein about his more recent meeting with Rezko
and Kelly.”

Conclusion

There is much more evidence of corruption in the complaint and
ties to Obama. The exerpts provided above reveal clear ties to
Obama and in particular his involvement in rigging the IL
Health Board.

Request to Fitzgerald to indict Obama for rigging Health Board

Citizen Wells article in April 2008 ties Obama to Rezko, Blagojevich

Citizen Wells series on why Obama should be indicted

The Chicago Tribune, in an article dated December 18, 2008
states that the following ties to Blagojevich could help to
impeach him:

“Longtime Blagojevich friend Ali Ata, in a plea bargain on charges of lying to the FBI, said that he handed $25,000 to a Blagojevich fundraiser and that the governor immediately brought up the subject of getting Ata a state job.

In another guilty plea, Joseph Cari said Blagojevich tried to enlist him as a fundraiser with the possibility of getting state contracts and legal work.”

Reasons given for Blagojevich impeachment also apply to Obama

The investigation of Rod Blagojevich has been going on for
many months. Neither Blagojevich or Obama was charged with
wrongdoing during the Rezko Trial. I have watched the methodical
well orchestrated efforts of Patrick Fitzgerald all year and it
is now obvious that Obama is next.
Remember, the Obama Camp wants you to believe that the
Blagojevich arrest was just about selling the senate seat. Obama
et al are about lies, deception and diversions. This would give
him a chance to throw another associate under the bus

Obama must be indicted

Patrick Fitzgerald rushed the criminal complaint to prevent
Blagojevich from appointing a replacement for Obama’s Senate
seat. This was prompted by the Chicago Tribune breaking the
story.

Since Fitzgerald was obligated to arrest Blagojevich early
to avoid a travesty of justice, by the same token,
a greater sense of urgency involves allowing a non eligible
candidate, Obama, with ties to corruption that equal and in
some cases exceed those of Rod Blagojevich take office.
Because of this sense of urgency and potential constitutional
crisis, Citizen Wells is urging you to contact the Dept. of
Justice and voice your concerns. Also, share this article
with as many people and websites as possible. The election
officials and courts are ignoring this crisis. Perhaps
Patrick Fitzgerald or the Dept. of Jusctice (part of the
checks and balances syetem) will save this country from
a disaster.

Hold MSM accountable
 
This article will also serve as a starting point to hold the
MSM accountable and I have decided to start with two
prominent newspapers, The Chicago Tribune and Charlotte Observer.

I am asking that the Chicago Tribune and Charlotte Observer
apologize for unprofessional, irresponsible and biased reporting.

The Charlotte Observer, in a disservice to it’s readers
and what could be considered part of a conspiracy to perpetrate
fraud, presented only articles that were favorable to
Obama and did not present articles regarding Obama’s
eligibility issues and corruption ties. Not only did the
Observer not cover Obama, they endorsed him.

The chicago Tribune presented transcripts of the Rezko trial
and even some articles critical of Obama and his ties to
corruption. However, the Tribune, despite exposing some of
Obama’s corruption ties, still endorsed him. Also, the
Tribune broke the story on Blagojevich which led to his
premature arrest. What were the reasons for the Tribune
doing this? To protect the paper or citizens from
Blagojecvich or to prevent the Obama camp from being
implicated in more corruption ties?

Readership is down for most newspapers across the country.
Younger people are not embracing outdated news delivery
and older people are fed up with biased reporting.

Attention Tribune, Observer and newspapers throughout
the country.

Apologize to your readers, the American public and
change your methodology fast or you are history.

Coming soon.

We plan to hold congressmen accountable.